In a world where the fight for acceptance and equality is an ongoing battle, there are those who dedicate their lives to making a difference, transforming communities through their unwavering commitment and innovative approaches. Laura Hernandez, the Director for the Youth and Senior Programs at the Center, is one such individual.

Laura’s passion for her work shines through. She had dedicated her career to creating spaces where youth and families felt seen, safe, and supported. Her innovative programs and relentless advocacy had transformed the lives of countless families in her community.

Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of every individual to find their place and voice in society. This is the story of how Laura’s personal experiences, combined with her professional expertise, have paved the way for groundbreaking programs that offer hope, support, and a sense of belonging to countless families navigating the complexities of identity and acceptance.

A New Challenge

When Laura was first hired, her primary task was to expand both the youth and senior programs. With over a decade of experience focused on youth and families, she was well-prepared for the challenge. However, the senior program was a new endeavor for her. Laura soon found that working with seniors was more similar to working with youth than she had anticipated. “I didn’t know how much I would love working with the seniors,” she often remarked. “They’re just so lovely and wonderful.”

Building Foundations

Laura’s primary role involves developing new programming and creating innovative ways to serve the community. When she started, the youth program offered services only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, alongside a six-week Pivot program. Under her leadership, the program expanded to provide activities and support six days a week. Her goal was to create a holistic program that addressed the needs of the entire family, not just the youth.

“I’ve always believed that it doesn’t matter how much we help a child if we just turn around and send them home to a place where they’re not seen, not affirmed, and not safe,” Laura explained. Her own experiences as a parent to a transgender child fueled her passion and understanding of the community’s needs.

Innovative Programs

One of the key initiatives Laura introduced was the QKids program, designed to support children under 13. This program is unique in Nevada, providing a safe space for younger kids who might be gender non-conforming or have interests that fall outside of traditional norms. Laura noticed an increasing demand for support as awareness and acceptance grew, allowing kids to come out sooner.

The QKids program meets once a month and welcomed both children and their families. Each session includes an activity, such as making pride posters or learning about LGBTQ+ figures in history. This approach caters to both young people and their parents, fostering an environment of learning and support.

“We were getting so many requests for support for younger kids,” Laura noted. “These kids are very little, and they don’t really have safe spaces to play or peers to connect with. Our QKids program fills that gap.”

Family Support

Recognizing the importance of family support, Laura also implemented a Youth and Family Therapeutic Support Group. This monthly group offers therapeutic talk sessions for youth and peer support for parents, led by licensed therapists. It complements the long-standing Pivot program, a six-week initiative focusing on fostering acceptance and unity within families.

During Pivot, families engage in activities and discussions that promote healthy communication and understanding. The transformation Laura witnessed in families is profound. “We see families come in feeling unsure and scared, sometimes in crisis. By the end, they’ve broken down walls and improved their communication.”

Expanding Drop-In Hours

To further support youth, Laura expanded the drop-in hours at the Center. Previously limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays, the drop-in space is now open Monday through Friday. Each day offers different support services, from therapy sessions to educational and social activities.

“The drop-in space is a safe haven for these kids,” Laura said. “It’s where they can find support, make friends, and just be themselves.”

A Personal Journey

Laura’s dedication to her work stems from her personal journey with her transgender child, who transitioned at 11 years old. Back in 2014, there were few resources available in the community. Laura connected with an organization called Gender Justice Nevada and began attending therapy sessions with her child. This experience opened her eyes to the broader needs of families like hers.

Initially seeking resources for her child, Laura soon found herself advocating for other families. She played a pivotal role in creating the Gender Diverse Youth and Family Services program at Gender Justice Nevada, which included support groups, social events, and student advocacy.

Advocating for Change

One of Laura’s significant achievements was her involvement in the legislative process to support transgender students in Nevada. After years of advocating for a policy to address the needs of students with diverse gender identities, Senate Bill 225 was passed in 2017. This law required all schools in Nevada to implement policies that supported these students.

The journey was not easy. Laura faced organized opposition from groups that fear-mongered about the implications of such policies. “It was a really rough time,” she recalled. “But we knew we were fighting for what was right.”

Training and Implementation

With the law in place, Laura focused on training and implementing the new policies within the school district. She trained the Equity and Diversity Department at the Clark County School District and worked tirelessly to ensure schools were equipped to support transgender students.

Laura’s advocacy didn’t stop there. She noticed a significant overlap between gender diversity and neurodiversity in the families she served. This realization led to the founding of the Nevada Alliance for Student Diversity (NASD), an organization focused on the intersection of gender diversity, neurodiversity, and race.

A Legacy of Support

Laura’s work with NASD continued to provide vital support to families until she transitioned to her current role at the Center in late 2023. There, she continued her mission to create comprehensive programs that met the needs of the entire family. “Everything I’ve created is a response to need,” Laura explained. “We’re responding by creating programming to meet the needs that are there.”

Creating Best Practices

Laura’s approach to her work has always been about responding to the community’s needs. “I think that in terms of leaving a legacy, if I do walk away from this work, I would hope that families have an easier time than I did,” she reflected. Seeing kids and families now who go to school with less fear and struggle was a testament to the impact of her work.

Laura’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Her legacy would undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide future generations in their quest for acceptance and equality.

EXPANDED YOUTH DROP-IN HOURS

Our after-school drop-in hours provide a supportive and engaging environment for LGBTQ+ youth. Held from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, these sessions offer various activities and support for different age groups:

Mondays: Youth Support Space with an on-site therapist for ages 13-17

Tuesdays: Qvolution Youth Group for ages 13-17

Wednesdays: Youth Drop-In hours for ages 13-17

Thursdays: Qvolution Youth Group for ages 18-24

Fridays: Youth Drop-In hours for ages 13-17

Additionally, special activities such as game nights, movie nights, and art projects are sometimes scheduled for Wednesdays or Fridays, enhancing the drop-in experience with creative and fun opportunities.

QVOLUTION YOUTH PROGRAM

Qvolution addresses the social, support, recreational, and developmental needs of LGBTQIA+ and ally youth aged 13 to 24. Our mission is to prepare our youth for the world and the world for our youth. Youth Activity Nights at the Drop-in Center provide supportive, educational, and social spaces where LGBTQIA+ and ally youth can connect, learn, and thrive together.

PIVOT

Upcoming session September 25 – October 30

Pivot aims to foster acceptance and unity within families, promoting healthy and positive outcomes. This 6-week program for youth and caregivers provides a safe, confidential, and constructive space to address fears and concerns about LGBTQIA+ identities. Through answering questions, offering support, and encouraging personal growth, Pivot helps families navigate their individual journeys while building a supportive community.

QKIDS

QKids is a once-per-month space designed to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ youth aged 12 and under, alongside their families. This initiative aims to foster a vibrant, inclusive environment where children can explore and express their identities freely through creative play and interaction. Simultaneously, it provides a crucial support network for parents and caregivers, enabling them to connect, share experiences, and access resources within a community of understanding peers.

YOUTH AND FAMILY THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT GROUPS

Our LGBTQ+ youth and family therapeutic support groups, held once per month, provide a safe and supportive environment where families can receive help together while benefiting from separate spaces tailored to their unique needs. Our LGBTQ+ youth group, facilitated by a licensed therapist, allows young people to express themselves, explore their identities, and build resilience. Simultaneously, our parent and family groups offer essential peer support, helping parents navigate the challenges of parenting LGBTQ+ children and providing them with the support they need for their own well-being.